Lawyers Say Clients Not To Blame For Death of NIU Student

DEKALB, Ill. (AP) -- Defense attorneys say the leaders of a Northern Illinois University fraternity aren't responsible for the death of a student during an alleged hazing.

Five officers of Pi Kappa Alpha appeared in DeKalb County Court on Friday to face felony hazing charges in the November alcohol-related death of 19-year-old freshman David Bogenberger. Seventeen other fraternity members are charged with misdemeanor hazing.

Attorney John Donahue, representing fraternity president Alex Jandick, says his client regrets Bogenberger's death. Attorneys for the other students appearing in court said Bogenberger's death was a tragedy, not a crime. None entered formal pleas.

Bogenberger was found unresponsive at the fraternity house early on Nov. 2. The DeKalb County Coroner's Office said toxicology results found his blood alcohol content was about five times the legal limit for driving.

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